Joanne Ruth Carlson Madden, 77

By Tribune - Posted on 23 November 2011

Joanne Ruth Carlson Madden, age 77, of Terry Montana passed away on November 20, 2011 at Holy Rosary Hospital in Miles City, Montana with her girls by her side.

Joanne was born on November 7, 1934, in Miles City, MT to Hilding “Moe” and Borghild “Borgie” Undem Carlson. She attended school in Terry and graduated in 1952. She attended Eastern Montana College and graduated in 1954 with a teaching certificate and later went back and completed her bachelors of science in elementary education/reading. She taught in Bridger, Sidney, Belle Creek, and Terry. In 1957 Joanne married William J. Madden and together they had three daughters; Kay, Kristie and Paula. They lived with their daughters on a ranch near Ridge, Montana and later moved to Belle Creek, Montana. In 1978, Joanne and girls moved to Terry and she fulfilled her true calling when she worked for Mrs. Wilson in the 1st grade. Joanne found great pleasure in working with young learners. She had a real gift for helping students find success in learning. Later Joanne accepted a position at the Prairie County ASCS office. She enjoyed working with producers and establishing long term friendships with them. She retired in 2004 and devoted her time to the Prairie County Museum and her grandchildren. Joanne loved nothing more than preserving and promoting history of Prairie County. In 1990 she fulfilled a life-long dream when her brother, John took her to Norway to visit family. She was very proud of her Norwegian heritage and ancestry.

For the past 20 years she followed the Terry Terriers’ school activities. She was extremely proud of her grandchildren and their academic and athletic accomplishments. More than anything “Granny” had an overwhelming love and adoration for her grandchildren. They were the center of her world and she was the center of theirs too.

Joanne is preceded in death by her parents Moe & Borgie and Brother John. She is survived by her daughters, Kay, (Tom) Pisk; Kristie (Kurt) Ratz; and Paula; and four grandchildren: Sarah, Taylor and Trevor Pisk; and Meliena Ratz; and sister-in-law Hilary Carlson and nieces Ingrid Carlson Barrier and Christina Carlson Crowley, as well as many cousins.

Visitation was held on Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Terry. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the Community Presbyterian Church in Terry. Private family burial will be held in the Prairie County Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.